On my way back from Moses Lake last Wednesday, I stopped by Rocky Ford Creek, near Ephrata. I will often visit this stream when I’m in the area to check on the water conditions this time of year. Fly fishing Rocky Ford is one of my favorite late fall and winter fisheries. Like many waters in our region, there is heavy weed growth in the summer months, and it takes some cold weather to clear them out. As I suspected, there was a blanket of weeds along the shores of Rocky Ford, and although we are starting to see some very cold and even freezing temperatures, it will be a while before The Ford is really fishable. There is open water in the middle of the stream, but good luck getting one the big trout over to the bank to release it. I walked out on the bridge at the upper parking lot, and I just saw one big rainbow near it. Usually, I see several. They must be in the deepest, coolest water right now. I did notice several small trout that I assume are from a recent plant. I will keep you posted on the conditions at Rocky Ford.